Tool for cleaning a grill

ABSTRACT

A grill-cleaning tool has a water-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume of water. A fire-resistant layer is disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer. A scrubbing outer layer fabricated from a metallic-mesh material covers both the fire-resistant layer and the water-absorbent layer. The water-absorbent layer and the heat-resistant layer may be incorporated into a single unit or may be separate layers. Fasteners are provided for assembling the layers together to form an assembled grill-cleaning tool.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/547,504, which was filed on Aug. 18, 2017. The entirecontents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/547,504 areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a product and method for cleaningcooking grills, such as for instance a barbeque, and more particularlyto a cleaning tool for cleaning cooking grills without the use ofmetallic bristles.

BACKGROUND

Grilling is a form of cooking that involves heating food from aboveand/or below and is especially popular for cooking meat quickly.Charcoal barbeques, gas barbeques (natural gas or propane) and electricbarbeques are common examples of appliances that are used for grillingfood. In general, cooking grids are arranged above a heat source toprovide a surface on which the food is cooked. Typical materials forfabricating the cooking grids include: stainless steel; porcelain-coatedcast iron; porcelain-coated steel; cast iron; and chrome-plated steel.Depending on the specific type of grilling appliance, additional heatsources may be provided and/or a cover may be provided to enclose thecooking area.

One problem that is common to all grilling appliances is that grease andparticles from the food that is being cooked will accumulate onto thecooking grids. This accumulation becomes charred and hardened andremains on the cooking grids after the food is done cooking. It isdesirable to clean the grill and thereby remove the charred and hardenedresidue prior to the next use of the grilling appliance. This task iscomplicated due to the physical structure that is typical of cookinggrids, which normally include a set of parallel rods or bars with spacestherebetween for allowing the grease and food particles to drip betweenthe rods or bars.

Various solutions have been proposed for cleaning the cooking grids of agrilling appliance. Rigid scrapers fabricated from steel, wood orplastic, either with or without a grooved cleaning edge, can be used toscrape the residues off the upper surface of the cooking grids.Alternatively, wire bristle cleaning brushes are widely used and arehighly effective because the bristles are able to spread apart and cleanthe sides of the rods or bars as well as their upper surfaces.Unfortunately, serious injuries have been known to occur when wirebristles break off the cleaning brush, stick to the cooking grid, andare then ingested along with the food that is subsequently cooked on thecleaned cooking grid. This type of accident may lead to emergency roomvisits if the wire bristle becomes embedded in the digestive tract ofthe person consuming the food.

It would therefore be beneficial to provide a product and method forcleaning a grill that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioneddisadvantages and/or limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment there isprovided a grill-cleaning tool, comprising: a water-absorbent layerfabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume ofwater; and a scrubbing outer layer fabricated from a metallic-meshmaterial and covering the water-absorbent layer.

Optionally the grill-cleaning tool further comprises a fire-resistantlayer disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer, and the scrubbingouter layer covers both the fire-resistant layer and the water absorbentlayer.

In accordance with an aspect of at least one embodiment there isprovided a method of cleaning cooking grids of a cooking appliance usinga grill-cleaning tool as described above, the method comprising: a)heating the cooking grids to a known cleaning temperature; b) absorbingwater into the water-absorbent layer of the grill-cleaning tool; c)pressing the scrubbing outer layer against the heated cooking grids,thereby forcing a portion of the absorbed water out of thewater-absorbent layer and into contact with the heated cooking grids soas to generate steam; and d) using a scrubbing motion, mechanicallyloosening residues adhered to the heated cooking grids.

In an embodiment a grill-cleaning tool includes: an inner layerfabricated from a water-proof material and being generally cylindricalin shape with a closed end and with an open end that is opposite theclosed end for receiving the hand and forearm of a user; awater-absorbent layer disposed outwardly of the water-proof inner layerand fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring avolume of water; a fire-resistant layer disposed outwardly of the waterabsorbent layer; and a scrubbing outer layer fabricated from ametallic-mesh material.

In an embodiment the fire-resistant layer is omitted.

In an embodiment the water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layerare sewn together and are assembled into the grill-cleaning tool as asingle unit.

In an embodiment the water-proof inner layer, the water-absorbent layerand the fire-resistant layer are each sized to extend approximately tothe user's elbow.

In an embodiment the water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layerare also generally cylindrical in shape with a closed end and with anopen end that is opposite the closed end for receiving the hand andforearm of a user, and wherein the closed end of each one of thewater-proof inner layer, the water-absorbent layer and thefire-resistant layer is larger in the radial direction than the open endof each one of the water-proof inner layer, the water-absorbent layerand the fire-resistant layer.

In an embodiment the grill-cleaning tool includes a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced-apart ribs extending radially inward from aninner surface of the water-proof inner layer and extendinglongitudinally along the length of the water-proof inner layer withinthe larger closed end thereof.

In an embodiment the grill-cleaning tool includes between 4 and 8circumferentially spaced-apart ribs extending radially inward from aninner surface of the water-proof inner layer and extendinglongitudinally along the length of the water-proof inner layer withinthe larger closed end thereof.

In an embodiment each rib is wider at a top portion thereof than at abase portion thereof.

In an embodiment the grill-cleaning tool includes a plurality offasteners disposed along an outer surface of the water-proof inner layerand a plurality of complementary fasteners disposed along an innersurface of the water-absorbent layer for cooperatively securing thewater-absorbent layer to the water-proof inner layer.

In an embodiment the grill-cleaning tool includes a plurality offasteners disposed along an outer surface of the fire-resistant layerand a plurality of complementary fasteners carried by the scrubbingouter layer for cooperatively securing the scrubbing outer layer to thefire-resistant layer.

In an embodiment the water-proof inner layer is fabricated fromheat-resistant silicone rubber.

In an embodiment the scrubbing outer layer is fabricated from food-gradestainless-steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The instant invention will now be described by way of example only, andwith reference to the attached drawings, wherein similar referencenumerals denote similar elements throughout the several views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram showing a water-proof inner layer of awearable grill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing a water-absorbent layer of awearable grill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing a fire-resistant layer of awearable grill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram showing an abrasive or scrubbing outerlayer of a wearable grill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram showing a grill cleaning tool headaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows the grill cleaning tool head of FIG. 5 assembled onto ahandle.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a simplified side view showing a grill cleaning tool headaccording to another embodiment assembled onto a handle.

FIG. 7 is a simplified top view showing the grill cleaning tool head andhandle of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a top exterior view of half of a support block that is usedin the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 8B is a bottom interior view of the half of the support block of inFIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the half of the support block of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is an end view of the half of the support block of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a support block that is used in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 6 and 7 with a plurality of grill-cleaning layersassembled thereto.

FIG. 9A is a top view of a support block that is used in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and with a deformable and grooved inner supportlayer.

FIG. 9B is an end view of the support block of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram showing a grill cleaning tool accordingto yet another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a simplified diagram showing a grill cleaning tool accordingto yet another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of aparticular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the scope ofthe invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the embodiments disclosed but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Also, itis to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein isfor the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereofherein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items.

In the description and in the claims, the term “inner” is intended tomean closer to the hand of the user (or closer to a handle or a handlemounting structure) relative to another layer. Similarly, the term“outwardly” is intended to mean further away from the hand of the user(or from the handle or the handle mounting structure) relative toanother layer.

The term “fire-resistant” is intended to mean resistant to but notwholly proof from the effects of fire or intense heat, and being madefrom materials that are inherently nonflammable. The specific “fireresistant” material chosen for a particular application may or may notalso have a significant heat-insulating property.

The term “metallic-mesh” is intended to mean a material that isfabricated from a plurality of interconnected links of a metal or metalalloy.

A specific and non-limiting example will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 1-4, which show a wearable grill-cleaning tool according to anembodiment.

In general, the wearable grill-cleaning tool that is shown in FIGS. 1-4comprises a plurality of layers, all of which are configured to receiveand enclose at least the hand of a user. Optionally, at least some ofthe layers are configured to further receive and enclose at least theforearm (i.e. up to the elbow joint) of the user. In an embodiment, thewearable grill-cleaning tool is neither left-handed nor right-handed andmay be described using the term “sock-shaped” or “tube-shaped.”Alternatively, distinct left-handed and right-handed configurations maybe fabricated.

In one implementation, the plurality of layers includes: 1) awater-proof inner layer, 2) a water-absorbent layer disposed outwardlyof the water-proof inner layer, 3) a fire-resistant layer disposedoutwardly of the water-absorbent layer, and 4) an abrasive or scrubbingouter layer, which surrounds the first three inner layers.

In another implementation, the plurality of layers includes: 1) awater-proof inner layer, 2) a water-absorbent and fire-resistant layerdisposed outwardly of the water-proof inner layer, and 3) an abrasive orscrubbing outer layer, which surrounds the first two inner layers.

The layers of the plurality of layers are fastened together to form anassembled grill-cleaning tool. The fastenings prevent or minimizerelative movement of the layers during use. The fastenings may bedisengaged in order to separate the layers one from another, in order tofacilitate cleaning, and/or to allow the layers to be replaced at theend of the usable life of each of the respective layers.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, shown are various features of awater-proof inner layer 10 of the wearable grill-cleaning tool accordingto an embodiment. The water-proof inner layer 10 is for instance asock-shaped silicone rubber tube with a relatively larger closed end 12and a relatively smaller open end 14. A series of protuberances 16represent fasteners arranged along the outer surface of the siliconetube. Some of the illustrated fasteners are for securing differentlayers, and the type of fasteners may be either the same or different.One non-limiting example of a suitable fastener is a dome-snap typefastener system. Of course, other suitable fasteners such as forinstance a loop-type snap fastener, a strap-and-buckle type fastener, ahook-and-loop type fastener etc. may be used.

As shown using dashed lines, a series of ribs 18, such as raisedsilicone rubber, are provided along the inner surface at the largerclosed end only, to assist with gripping by the user, etc. An exampletotal length between the open and closed end of the water-proof innerlayer is about 18 inches. Example diameters for the open and closed endsare about 5.29 inches OD and 6.20 inches OD, respectively. An examplethickness of the material of the water-proof inner layer is about 0.1inch. That being said, optionally a “large” size and a “small” size isenvisioned in order to accommodate different users having differentsized hands.

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the relatively larger closed end12 taken along line A-A, and FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of therelatively smaller open end 14 taken along line B-B. The ribs 18 shownin FIG. 1A are, by way of example, approximately 1 inch tall andapproximately 1 inch wide at the tops thereof, but only about 0.25inches wide at the bases thereof, and thus the ribs 18 are generally“T-shaped.” In this specific example, the ribs 18 are approximately 5inches in length. The number of ribs 18 may be varied, but in thisspecific example 8 ribs are shown. Alternatively, between 4 and 8 ribsare provided.

FIG. 2 illustrates various features of the water-absorbent layer 20 ofthe wearable grill-cleaning tool, and FIG. 3 illustrates variousfeatures of the fire-resistant layer 30 of the wearable grill-cleaningtool. These two layers may be sewn together or otherwise incorporatedinto a single (compound) layer (not illustrated), which can then beassembled as a unit into the wearable grill-cleaning tool.Alternatively, additional fasteners 22 may be carried on the outersurface of the water-absorbent layer 20 and on the inner surface (notillustrated) of the fire-resistant layer 30, such that the two layersmay be assembled separately into the wearable grill-cleaning tool. Inthis specific and non-limiting example, both the water-absorbent layer20 and the fire-resistant layer 30 have a closed end and an open end,which are complementary to the closed end 12 and open end 14 of thewater-proof inner layer 10. Since the various layers of the wearablegrill-cleaning tool are assembled one onto another, each outwardlydisposed layer is sized to accommodate the respective inner layers.Example diameters for the open and closed ends of the water-absorbentlayer 20 are about 5.79 inches OD and 6.70 inches OD, respectively andfor the fire-resistant layer 30 are about 6.05 inches OD and 6.96 inchesOD, respectively.

FIG. 4 illustrates various features of the abrasive or scrubbing outerlayer 40 of the wearable grill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment.The outer layer 40 is for instance a metallic-mesh (chain mail-like)material fabricated from stainless steel links each of a few millimetersin size. Optionally, another suitable metal or a suitable metal alloy isused to fabricate metallic-mesh of the outer layer 40. Fasteners 42 areprovided at an open end 44 of the outer layer 40. In an embodiment, thefasteners 42 secure directly to the fasteners 16 near the open end 14 ofthe water-proof inner layer 10.

As is apparent, in this example the abrasive or scrubbing outer layer 40is relatively shorter than any of the inner layers, and in particularextends only to about the user's wrist. Example diameters for the openand closed ends are about 6.20 inches OD and 7.11 inches OD,respectively.

When the grill-cleaning tool is intended to be worn by a user, thelayers are closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receivingthe hand and fore-arm of the user, much in the same way a sock receivesa foot and part of the calf of a wearer. Optionally, at least some ofthe layers are not closed at the one end. By way of a non-limitingexample, the abrasive or scrubbing layer may be provided in the form ofa band that is open at both ends, or in the form of a patch that iscarried along only part of the circumference of the wearable-grillcleaning tool. For safety reasons and to improve the user's comfort,other layers should be closed at the one end (e.g., the water-proofinner layer and the fire-resistant layer or water-absorbent andfire-resistant layer). The length that is selected for each layerdepends for instance safety considerations and cost. The water-absorbentand fire-resistant layers may extend to the user's elbow in order toprotect the user's forearm from heat and steam coming off the grillcooking surface, whilst the abrasive or scrubbing layer may extend onlythe length of the user's hand since material past the user's wrist wouldnot be used to clean the grill cooking surface.

Some additional features of each of the individual layers are listedbelow:

Water-Proof Inner Layer 10:

-   -   May be a tube with a larger end (Closed) and a smaller end        (opened).    -   May include internal ribs in the larger end to assist the user        in establishing a firm grip to perform the scrubbing motion and        apply pressure in the cleaning process.    -   May carry a fastener system to fasten the water-absorbent or        water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer outwardly thereof.    -   Provide a water proof membrane between the user and the        water-absorbent or water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer.    -   Protects the user's hand and forearm up to about the user's        elbow from direct heat from the grilling appliance and the steam        that is evolved during cleaning.    -   An example material is a heat resistant silicon rubber material.

Water-Absorbent Layer 20 and Fire-Resistant Layer 30:

-   -   Store water in the fibers of a water-absorbent cloth material.    -   Fire-resistant material is disposed outwardly of the cloth        material, which is the case regardless of whether the        water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are separate        or integrated into a single dual-function layer.    -   Carries a first fastener system along an inner surface thereof        for mating with the fastener system of the water-proof layer.    -   Carries a second fastener system along an outer surface thereof        to fasten the abrasive or scrubbing layer outwardly thereof.    -   Some specific and non-limiting examples of materials that may be        used in the fabrication of the water-absorbent and/or        fire-resistant layer(s) include at least the following:        -   Nomex® Fabric—by Dupont™        -   Westex®—by Milliken        -   Kovenex™ Fabrics—by Kovenex™

Abrasive or scrubbing Layer 40:

-   -   Provides the ability to scrub the cooking grids, to scrape off        the residue (grease, food, dirt and debris) from previous        activity usage of the grill.    -   Material to be a metal or metallic alloy e.g., stainless steel        and food grade. Alternatively, a natural material is used to        form the abrasive or scrubbing layer, such as for instance a        piece of leather having a plurality of perforations to resemble        a piece of honeycomb. The piece of leather hardens after        multiple cleaning cycles and forms sharp edges capable of        removing the steam-loosened debris from the grill surface.

Another specific and non-limiting example will now be described withreference to FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, which shows a generally cup-shapedgrill-cleaning tool head 50 with a handle 60.

In general, the grill-cleaning tool head 50 that is shown in anassembled condition in FIG. 5A comprises a plurality of layers, all ofwhich are configured to receive and enclose a first end 62 of the handle60, which also has a second end 64 that may be grasped by a user forcleaning a grill with the grill cleaning tool. The grill-cleaning toolhead 50 is depicted in a highly simplified way in FIG. 5A, in the formof a transparent cylinder, so as to avoid obscuring details of theconnection to the first end 62 of the handle 60. The handle 60 isoptionally fabricated from a plastic, wood or metallic material, orcombinations thereof, and is fixedly secured at the first end 62 thereofto the grill cleaning tool. The handle has a grasping feature 66 at thesecond end 64 thereof opposite the first end 62. The handle 60 has alength that is sufficient to allow the user to clean a grill with thegrill cleaning tool and without placing his or her hand too close to thegrill, such as for instance between 24 and 36 inches, most preferablyabout 30 inches.

FIG. 5 shows, in isolation, the innermost layer of the grill-cleaningtool head 50, which in this example is a silicone rubber inner supportlayer 52. The inner support layer 52 is generally cup-shaped, isdeformable by application of pressure, and has a plurality ofperforations 54 extending between an inner surface and an outer surfacethereof for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. The inner support layer52 supports a plurality of outwardly disposed layers (not illustrated),which layers are similar to the water-absorbent layer 20, thefire-resistant layer 30 and the scrubbing outer layer 40 describedabove. A plurality of fasteners 56 is illustrated along the outersurface of the inner support layer 52 for mating with complementaryfasteners carried by one or more of the outwardly-disposed layers (notillustrated). The fasteners 56 prevent or minimize relative movement ofthe various layers during use. The fasteners 56 may be disengaged inorder to separate the layers one from another, in order to facilitatecleaning, and/or to allow the layers to be replaced at the end of theusable life of each of the respective layers.

In the specific example that is shown in FIG. 5, the generallycup-shaped inner support layer 52 may become filled with water when thegrill cleaning tool is immersed in a container of water, and the watermay subsequently drain out through the plurality of perforations tothereby thoroughly soak the adjacent water absorbent layer and to alsocontrol the amount of water that is transferred to the grill appliancebeing cleaned. Alternatively, the inner support layer 52 may befabricated in the form of a closed cylindrical shaped body, which merelysupports the outwardly disposed layers and does not become filled withwater.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, the elongated handle 60 is mounted at thefirst end 62 thereof to the inner support layer 52. In the specific andnon-limiting example that is shown in FIG. 5A, the inner support layer52 is substantially similar to the large end 12 of the water-proof innerlayer 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the inner surface of the inner supportlayer 52 includes a plurality of raised ribs 58 extending along theinner surface in the longitudinal direction. Referring also to FIG. 5B,a plurality of wings or fingers 68 extending from the first end 62 ofthe handle 60 engage between adjacent ribs 58 to secure the innersupport layer 52 to the first end 62 of the handle 60. Alternatively,another suitable mounting arrangement is used, such as for instancemolding the inner support layer with an integrally formed extension thatforms at least a portion of the handle or molding the inner supportlayer 52 with an integrally formed mounting feature for engaging acomplementary mounting feature disposed at the first end of theelongated handle.

Some additional features of each of the individual layers are listedbelow:

Inner Support Layer:

-   -   May be a tube with similarly dimensioned closed and open ends,        forming a substantially cup-shaped structure.    -   May include internal ribs for engaging wings or fingers        extending from a first end of an elongated handle.    -   May carry a fastener system to fasten the water-absorbent or        water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer outwardly thereof.    -   May have a plurality of perforations for allowing liquid to pass        between inner and outer sides of the inner support layer.    -   May be fabricated as a closed, hollow cylindrical-shaped body or        as a solid cylindrical-shaped body.    -   An example material is a heat resistant silicon rubber material        or a rigid or semi-rigid plastic.

Water-Absorbent and Fire-Resistant Layer:

-   -   Stores water in the fibers of a cloth material.    -   A fire-resistant material is disposed outwardly of the cloth        material, which is the case regardless of whether the        water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are separate        or integrated into a single dual-function layer.    -   Carries a first fastener system along an inner surface thereof        for mating with the carrier system of the inner support layer.    -   Carries a second fastener system along an outer surface thereof        to fasten the abrasive or scrubbing layer outwardly thereof.    -   Some specific and non-limiting examples of materials that may be        used in the fabrication of the water-absorbent and/or        fire-resistant layer(s) include at least the following:        -   Nomex® Fabric—by Dupont™        -   Westex®—by Milliken        -   Kovenex™ Fabrics—by Kovenex™

Abrasive or Scrubbing Layer:

-   -   Provides the ability to scrub the cooking grids, to scrape off        the residue (grease, food, dirt and debris) from previous        activity usage of the grill.    -   Material to be a metal or metallic alloy e.g., stainless steel        and food grade. Alternatively, a natural material is used to        form the abrasive or scrubbing layer, such as for instance a        piece of leather having a plurality of perforations to resemble        a piece of honeycomb. The piece of leather hardens after        multiple cleaning cycles and forms sharp edges capable of        removing the steam-loosened debris from the grill surface.

Referring now to FIG. 6 shown is a simplified side view of analternative configuration of the grill-cleaning tool head and anassociated mounting arrangement. In the specific and non-limitingexample that is shown in FIG. 6, a grill-cleaning tool head 70 is shownassembled onto a handle 72. The various layers as described above, i.e.,an inner support layer, a water-absorbent and fire-resistant layerdisposed outwardly of the inner support layer, and an abrasive orscrubbing outer layer, which surrounds the first two inner layers, areshown generally at 74 assembled onto a not shown support block. Thehandle 72 optionally includes a gripping feature 76 at an end oppositethe grill-cleaning tool head 70, and/or a gripping knob or similarstructure 78 approximately half-way along the length of the handle 72.Mechanical fasteners, such as for instance dome snaps 79, are providedon the layers 74 for securing the layers 74 onto the not shown supportblock. Suitable dimensions are for example a handle length ofapproximately 30 inches with the optional gripping knob 78 disposedapproximately 15 inches from the gripping end of the handle 72. Thesupport block plus the various layers may have an approximate totalthickness of approximately 3.75 inches.

FIG. 7 is a simplified top view of the embodiment that is shown in FIG.6. By way of a specific and non-limiting example, the support block plusthe various layers may have an approximate size of 6 inches long by 6.75inches wide.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-D, shown is a support block 80 suitable foruse with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 8A is a view of theoutside of the support block 80, FIG. 8B is a view of the inside of thesupport block 80, FIG. 8C is a side view of the support block 80, andFIG. 8D is an end view of the support block 80. The support block has acentral channel 82 with at least one recess 84 disposed along the lengthof the channel 82. As is shown in FIG. 8D, the channel 82 is circular inthe end view and the at least one recess 84 is a region having a largerdiameter relative to the rest of the channel 82. In the specific examplethat is shown in FIGS. 8A-D there are three recesses 84. In an assembledcondition, a corresponding at least one ring-shaped region projectingfrom handle 72 is seated within the at least one recess 84. The supportblock 80 is rotatable about the handle 72, and the interlocking at leastone recess and not illustrated at least one ring-shaped regionprojecting from the handle 72 limit movement of the support block 80 ina direction along the length of the handle 72. Additionally, andoptionally, recessed compartments 86 for retaining small volumes ofwater are formed in the outer surface of the support block 80, as shownin FIG. 8A and using ghost-lines in FIG. 8B.

Referring now to FIG. 9, shown is a top view of the support block 80with the inner support layer, the water-absorbent and fire-resistantlayer, and the abrasive or scrubbing outer layer supported thereon andsecured using mechanical fasteners 79 carried by the outer layer.Various configurations may be employed for the various layers, anddifferent layers may be configured differently. For instance, the innersupport layer may be omitted, or it may be formed integrally with thesupport block 80 as a deformable layer 90 molded thereto as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B. The water absorbent and fire-proof layers preferablyare sock-shaped and extend over the end of the support block oppositethe handle 72 so as to protect the material of the support block fromheat produced by the grill being cleaned. On the other hand, theabrasive or scrubbing outer layer may be formed as a band that coversthe top, bottom and opposite sides but not the end of the support block80. Alternatively, the abrasive or scrubbing outer layer may also coverthe end of the support block 80 to provide additional scrubbing area onthe grill-cleaning tool head. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8D,preferably the inner support layer is formed with a plurality ofperforations to support outward movement of trapped water from therecessed compartments 86 to the water absorbent and fire-proof layers.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the inner support layer iseither molded directly on the support block 80 or it is formed as asemi-rigid removable casing provided with an access slot 92 throughwhich the support block 80 is inserted. In both cases, the inner supportlayer preferably is formed with a series of outwardly facing grooves 94which are deformable when pressed against the surface of the grill thatis being cleaned. The grooves 94 allow the grill cleaning tool reachbelow the upper surface of the grill that is being cleaned, trappingsteam against the grill surface and thereby removing additional debriscompared to a flat and non-deformable cleaning tool surface.Advantageously, the mechanical fasteners 79 may be released and thewater-absorbent and fireproof layers, as well as the scrubbing outerlayer may be removed from the support block and water-proof inner layerand may be cleaned after several uses or even after a single use.

Some additional features of each of the individual layers are listedbelow:

Inner Support Layer:

-   -   May be formed as a removable casing with an access slot for        receiving a support block.    -   May be formed integrally with a support block.    -   May have a plurality of perforations for allowing liquid to pass        between inner and outer sides thereof.    -   An example material is a heat resistant silicon rubber material        or a rigid or semi-rigid plastic.

Water-Absorbent and Fire-Resistant Layer:

-   -   Stores water in the fibers of a cloth material.    -   A fire-resistant material is disposed outwardly of the cloth        material, which is the case regardless of whether the        water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are separate        or integrated into a single dual-function layer.    -   Some specific and non-limiting examples of materials that may be        used in the fabrication of the water-absorbent and/or        fire-resistant layer(s) include at least the following:        -   Nomex® Fabric—by Dupont™        -   Westex®—by Milliken        -   Kovenex™ Fabrics—by Kovenex™

Abrasive or Scrubbing Layer:

-   -   Provides the ability to scrub the cooking grids, to scrape off        the residue (grease, food, dirt and debris) from previous        activity usage of the grill.    -   Material to be a metal or metallic alloy e.g., stainless steel        and food grade. Alternatively, a natural material is used to        form the abrasive or scrubbing layer, such as for instance a        piece of leather having a plurality of perforations to resemble        a piece of honeycomb. The piece of leather hardens after        multiple cleaning cycles and forms sharp edges capable of        removing the steam-loosened debris from the grill surface.

Another specific and non-limiting example will now be described withreference to FIGS. 10-11, which shows a grill-cleaning tool in the formof a pad with a handle.

In general, the grill cleaning tools shown in FIGS. 10-11 comprise aplurality of layers assembled together to form a pad of sorts which hasan upper side that faces away from the cooking grids during use. Anelongated handle extending away from the upper side is provided forbeing grasped by a user during cleaning of a grill with the grillcleaning tool. For instance, the upper side of the grill leaning toolcarries a complementary mounting structure for detachably receiving amounting structure disposed at a first end of the handle, and the handlehaving a grasping feature disposed at a second end thereof for beinggrasped by the user. Although not shown in FIGS. 10-11, optionally agripping feature similar to knob 76 is provided along the handle.

The layers of the plurality of layers are fastened together to form anassembled grill-cleaning tool. The fastenings carried by the variouslayers prevent or minimize relative movement of the layers during use.The fastenings may be disengaged in order to separate the layers onefrom another, in order to facilitate cleaning, and/or to allow thelayers to be replaced at the end of the usable life of each of therespective layers.

As shown in FIG. 10, the grill-cleaning tool includes a backing layer100, which is for instance a rigid plastic layer that provides backingsupport for the other layers that are disposed outwardly of the backinglayer. A combined water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer 102 isfastened adjacent to the backing layer, and finally an abrasive orscrubbing layer 104 is disposed adjacent to the layer 102. Optionally,the combined water-absorbent layer and fire-resistant layer 102 isprovided as separate not illustrated water-absorbent and fire-resistantlayers. A complementary mounting structure 106 is integrally formedwith, i.e. by molding, or otherwise joined using an adhesive or othermeans, to the backing layer 100. A mounting structure 108 that iscarried at a first end of a handle shaft 110 engages and is fixedlysecured to the complementary mounting structure 106. Optionally, agrasping feature 112 is provided at a second end of the handle shaft 110that is opposite the first end.

As shown in FIG. 11, optionally a separate backing layer is omitted andthe complementary mounting structure 106 is mounted to or otherwiseintegrated into the combined water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer102.

Some additional features of each of the individual layers are listedbelow:

Backing Support Layer:

-   -   Fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as for        instance a plastic or metal or metal alloy material.    -   Carries a fastener system to fasten the water-absorbent or        water-absorbent and fire-resistant layer outwardly thereof.    -   May carry a complementary mounting structure for detachably        engaging a mounting structure disposed at a first end of an        elongated handle or may be molded or otherwise integrated with        the first end of the elongated handle.    -   Distributes a pressing force that is applied via the handle        during cleaning a grill to the entire cleaning area of the        grill-cleaning tool.

Water-Absorbent and Fire-Resistant Layer:

-   -   Stores water in the fibers of a cloth material.    -   A fire-resistant material is disposed outwardly of the cloth        material, which is the case regardless of whether the        water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are separate        or integrated into a single dual-function layer.    -   Carries a first fastener system along an inner surface thereof        for mating with the carrier system of the inner support layer.    -   Carries a second fastener system along an outer surface thereof        to fasten the abrasive or scrubbing layer outwardly thereof.    -   Some specific and non-limiting examples of materials that may be        used in the fabrication of the water-absorbent and/or        fire-resistant layer(s) include at least the following:        -   Nomex® Fabric—by Dupont™        -   Westex®—by Milliken        -   Kovenex™ Fabrics—by Kovenex™

Abrasive or Scrubbing Layer:

-   -   Provides the ability to scrub the cooking grids, to scrape off        the residue (grease, food, dirt and debris) from previous        activity usage of the grill.    -   Material to be a metal or metallic alloy e.g., stainless steel        and food grade. Alternatively, a natural material is used to        form the abrasive or scrubbing layer, such as for instance a        piece of leather having a plurality of perforations to resemble        a piece of honeycomb. The piece of leather hardens after        multiple cleaning cycles and forms sharp edges capable of        removing the steam-loosened debris from the grill surface.

A method of cleaning the cooking grids of a grill appliance, using agrill-cleaning tool according to an embodiment, will now be described.

Cleaning is performed when the cooking grids are hot, e.g. after thegrilling appliance has been pre-heated to the desired cookingtemperature, typically 350-450° F. The user immerses the grill-cleaningtool in a container of water or runs water onto the grill-cleaning toolfrom a hose or faucet. The water-absorbent material holds water untilthe user presses the grill-cleaning tool against the hot cooking grids,which forces some of the water into contact with the hot cooking gridsand thereby producing steam to assist in the cleaning action. The usermoves the grill-cleaning tool while still in contact with the hotcooking grids, using a scrubbing motion, such that the abrasive orscrubbing outer layer dislodges the residue from the hot cooking grids.Removal of the residue is facilitated by the combination of heat andwater/steam, which softens the residue making it easier to dislodge.When the scrubbing surface of the grill-cleaning tool becomes fouledwith the residue and cleaning efficiency decreases, the user may rotatethe grill-cleaning tool (except for the embodiments shown in FIGS.10-11) to expose a fresh scrubbing surface. The user may continue torotate the grill-cleaning tool until no fresh scrubbing surface remains,after which the grill-cleaning tool may be cleaned by immersion intofresh water etc. The grill-cleaning tool may be re-immersed in freshwater as many times as is required to completely clean the cookinggrids.

When the grill-cleaning tool is worn by the user, the user's hand isprotected by the water-proof layer and the fire-resistant layer, as wellas the volume of water that is held in the water-absorbent layer. Sincea large volume of hot steam may be produced, preferably at least thefire-resistant layer extends along the user's forearm to preventscalding and burns due to the evolved steam.

When the grill-cleaning tool is mounted on a handle, the handle issufficiently long such that the user does not place his or her handclose enough to the grill to be burned or scalded by the heat comingdirectly off the grill or by the evolved steam.

After use, the grill-cleaning tool can be disassembled and cleaned forthe next time usage. Different cleaning procedures are suitable for thedifferent layers. For instance, the abrasive or scrubbing outer layer,which may be fabricated from stainless steel mesh, may be cleaned in adishwasher or using common dish soap. The water-absorbent layer andfire-resistant layer, either as a single layer or as two separatelayers, may be cleaned in a laundry machine. The water-proof inner layermay be wiped down with a damp cloth.

In each embodiment described above, optionally the fire-resistant layeris omitted. Although less preferred, the water-absorbent layer carries avolume of water that is sufficient to prevent the inner layers (i.e.,the water-proof layer or inner support layer) from burning even duringexposure to the relatively high temperatures that are produced by agrill-cooking appliance. The combination of the water-absorbent layer(which carries water that is converted to a cleaning steam when broughtinto contact with the hot surface of a grill cleaning appliance) and theabrasive or scrubbing layer (which mechanically removes debris that isloosened by the cleaning steam) is sufficient to provide the improvedgrill-cleaning properties that are described above. The water-prooflayer and/or inner support layer and/or fire-resistant layer may beincluded depending on the particular implantation and/or the level ofsafety and/or personal protection that is desired.

The foregoing description of methods and embodiments of the inventionhas been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/orforms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of theinvention and all equivalents be defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grill-cleaning tool, comprising: awater-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable fortransferring a volume of water; and a scrubbing outer layer fabricatedfrom a metallic-mesh material and covering the water-absorbent layer. 2.The grill-cleaning tool of claim 1, further comprising a fire-resistantlayer disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer, wherein thescrubbing outer layer covers both the fire-resistant layer and thewater-absorbent layer.
 3. The grill-cleaning tool of claim 2, furthercomprising a backing layer that is arranged such that thewater-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are sandwichedbetween the backing layer and the scrubbing outer layer.
 4. Thegrill-cleaning tool of claim 3, further comprising a complementarymounting structure carried by the backing layer for detachably engaginga mounting structure that is carried at a first end of a handle.
 5. Thegrill cleaning tool of claim 3, wherein the backing layer is fabricatedfrom a rigid material or semi-rigid material.
 6. The grill-cleaning toolof claim 3, further comprising a complementary mounting structureintegrated into the water-absorbent layer for engaging a mountingstructure carried at a first end of a handle.
 7. The grill-cleaning toolof claim 3, wherein the scrubbing outer layer is fabricated fromfood-grade stainless-steel.
 8. The grill cleaning tool of claim 2,further comprising an inner support layer disposed inwardly of thewater-absorbent layer, the fire-resistant layer and the scrubbing outerlayer, and wherein the inner support layer is operatively coupled to anelongated handle having a grasping end that is spaced away from theinner support layer.
 9. The grill cleaning tool of claim 8, wherein theinner support layer is a generally cup-shaped structure with an openend, and wherein an end of an elongated handle opposite the grasping endextends through the open end and into an interior cavity of the innersupport layer.
 10. The grill cleaning tool of claim 9, comprising amounting feature carried by the inner support layer within the interiorcavity thereof, and wherein the elongated handle comprises acomplementary mounting feature disposed at the first end for engagingthe mounting feature.
 11. The grill cleaning tool of claim 9, wherein awall material of the inner support layer comprises a plurality ofperforations configured to support movement of liquid into and out ofthe interior cavity of the inner support layer.
 12. The grill cleaningtool of claim 8, wherein the inner support body is either a closed,hollow cylindrical-shaped body or a solid cylindrical-shaped body. 13.The grill cleaning tool of claim 12, wherein the elongated handle andthe inner support layer comprise a single, molded piece.
 14. Thegrill-cleaning tool of claim 2, wherein the grill-cleaning tool iswearable, and further comprising an inner layer that is fabricated froma water-proof material and that is generally cylindrical in shape with aclosed end and with an open end that is opposite the closed end forreceiving the hand and forearm of a user, wherein the water-absorbentlayer, the fire-resistant layer and the scrubbing outer layer are alsogenerally cylindrical in shape with a closed end and with an open endthat is opposite the closed end, and wherein the layers are nested oneinside another and are fastened together when the wearablegrill-cleaning tool is in an assembled condition.
 15. The grill-cleaningtool of claim 14, wherein the water-absorbent layer and thefire-resistant layer are sewn together and are assembled into thewearable grill-cleaning tool as a single unit.
 16. The grill-cleaningtool of claim 14, wherein the water-proof inner layer, thewater-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer are each sized toextend approximately to the user's elbow.
 17. The grill-cleaning tool ofclaim 14, wherein the closed end of each one of the water-proof innerlayer, the water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer is largerin the radial direction than the open end of each one of the water-proofinner layer, the water-absorbent layer and the fire-resistant layer. 18.The grill-cleaning tool of claim 17, comprising a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced-apart ribs extending radially inward from aninner surface of the water-proof inner layer and extendinglongitudinally along the length of the water-proof inner layer withinthe larger closed end thereof.
 19. The grill-cleaning tool of claim 18,wherein each rib of the plurality of ribs is wider at a top portionthereof than at a base portion thereof.
 20. The grill-cleaning tool ofclaim 18, comprising between 4 and 8 circumferentially spaced-apart ribsextending radially inward from an inner surface of the water-proof innerlayer and extending longitudinally along the length of the water-proofinner layer within the larger closed end thereof.
 21. The grill-cleaningtool of claim 11, comprising a plurality of fasteners disposed along anouter surface of the water-proof inner layer and a plurality ofcomplementary fasteners disposed along an inner surface of thewater-absorbent layer for cooperatively securing the water-absorbentlayer to the water-proof inner layer.
 22. The grill-cleaning tool ofclaim 14, comprising a plurality of fasteners disposed along an outersurface of the fire-resistant layer and a plurality of complementaryfasteners carried by the scrubbing outer layer for cooperativelysecuring the scrubbing outer layer to the fire-resistant layer.
 23. Thegrill-cleaning tool of claim 14, wherein the water-proof inner layer isfabricated from heat-resistant silicone rubber.
 24. The grill-cleaningtool of claim 14, wherein the scrubbing outer layer is fabricated fromfood-grade stainless-steel.
 25. A method of cleaning cooking grids of acooking appliance using the grill-cleaning tool of claim 1, comprising:a) heating the cooking grids to a known cleaning temperature; b)absorbing water into the water-absorbent layer of the grill-cleaningtool; c) pressing the scrubbing outer layer against the heated cookinggrids, thereby forcing a portion of the absorbed water out of thewater-absorbent layer and into contact with the heated cooking grids soas to generate steam; and d) using a scrubbing motion, mechanicallyloosening residues adhered to the heated cooking grids.
 26. The methodof claim 25, wherein absorbing water into the water-absorbent layercomprises immersing the grill-cleaning tool, in an assembled condition,into a container of water.
 27. The method of claim 25, furthercomprising rotating the grill-cleaning tool during scrubbing to exposefresh portions of the scrubbing outer layer.
 28. The method of claim 25,further comprising absorbing additional water into the water-absorbentlayer of the grill-cleaning tool after mechanically loosening residuesadhered to the heated cooking grids, and repeating steps c) and d). 29.The method of claim 25, wherein the known cleaning temperaturecorresponds to a pre-heat temperature for cooking a desired food. 30.The method of claim 25, wherein the known cleaning temperature is atleast 350° F.